Acoustically-Driven Magnetized Target Fusion at General Fusion

Dr. Michel Laberge

General Fusion

Friday, December 18, 2015

11:00am

NW17-218

PSFC Seminars

Abstract

Magnetized Target Fusion (MTF) involves forming a magnetically confined plasma of about 1e23 m^-3, 100 eV, 7 Tesla, 20 cm radius, 100 ms energy confinement time and compressing the plasma by 1000X in volume in 100 ms within a conductive liner. If the compression is close to adiabatic, the final plasma of ~1e26 m^-3, 10 keV, 700 Tesla, 2 cm radius, and confined for 10 ms would produce interesting fusion energy gain. General Fusion is developing an acoustic compression system involving pneumatic pistons focusing a shock wave on the plasma in the center of a 3 m diameter sphere filled with liquid lead-lithium. The combination of a low cost driver, good breeding ratio and excellent neutron protection could lead to a practical power plant. We will review the plasma formation and compression results achieved so far and our plans moving forwards. Work on the compression system will also be described.

Bio

Dr. Michel Laberge is a physicist and engineer with widespread practical experience in plasma physics and modern plasma diagnostic techniques. He has extensive knowledge of the latest technologies related to electronics, computers, materials, lithography, optics and fabrication, and is experienced at designing and constructing test apparatuses to evaluate technical concepts.

Prior to establishing General Fusion, Michel spent nine years at Creo Products in Vancouver as a senior physicist and principal engineer. His projects resulted in more than $1 billion worth of product sales.

Michel holds a B.Sc. and M.Sc. in physics from Laval University. In 1990, he earned his Ph.D. in physics from the University of British Columbia, and in 1991 completed a Post Doc. at L’ecole Polytechnique in Paris. In 1992, he completed another Post Doc. at the National Research Council in Ottawa.